A KING'S PERSEVERANCE AGAINST ALL ODDS

THIS week I would like to retell the story of Nala and Damayanti from the Mahabharata. It is a testament to the never-say-die human spirit when hit by fate.

- RENUKA NARAYANAN

'Don't give up easily' is its enduring message.

Nala was the brave, handsome king of the Nishadas and a just ruler. His one vice was gambling. His cousin Pushkara excelled in it whereas Nala played for fun.

Nala was also a herbalist and a skilled charioteer. He wrote the first ever cookbook known to the land-the Paaka Darpanam or 'A Mirror to Cuisine'.

One day when out hunting, he saw a beautiful swan and was about to shoot it when the swan said, "Don't shoot". Nala put down his bow and arrow, amazed.

The swan said gratefully, "I will tell you about Princess Damayanti in return. She is the daughter of King Bheema of Vidarbha to the south of your kingdom. I have never seen such a beauty. She is intelligent, goodnatured, and speaks kindly to all. Her father will soon hold a swayamvara so that she can choose a worthy husband." Nala's eyes lit up. "Will you fly to Vidarbha and tell the princess about me?" he asked and the swan promised.

The swan flew to Damayanti and described Nala to her. She went away deeply impressed. Her father promised to invite Nala. But when the day arrived, Damayanti was shocked. The gods-Indra, Vayu, Agni, Yama and Varuna-each laid a claim to her by virtue of their divine status.

Damayanti spoke her mind.